Posts Tagged ‘tubes’

Accurate functioning of fallopian tubes

Accurate functioning of fallopian tubes

Accurate functioning of fallopian tubes

Accurate tubal function involves:

1.  The fimbria of the Fallopian tube picking up the egg

2.   Transportation of the egg through the Fallopian tube by the cells that line the inside of the tube

3.  Fertilization of the egg by a healthy sperm which can penetrate the egg’s protective covering

4.  Transfer from the fallopian tube into the uterus where the embryo implants

If implantation occurs in the tube, this results in a tubal pregnancy.

For the above processes to occur, the tube must be open. Many patients have undergone a tubal ligation procedure which has closed the tube. Tubal reversal is a challenging surgery that can be done by an experienced surgeon that allows one to regain the previous anatomy and physiology of the healthy tube.  After a tubal reversal, fertility prognosis is based on accurate functioning of the tubes. Other infertility factors may also be present which may hinder conception.

What types of tests are available in the work-up of tubal disease?

Most fertility physicians will examine the history of the patient and may suggest any of the following tests according to the degree and nature of the disease history:

1.  Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the most commonly used method

2.  Laparoscopic chromopertubation is a more invasive technique standard in the diagnosis of tubal disease

3.  Sonohysterography with the use of contrast medium is not as accurate as HSG in diagnosing tubal blockage

4.  Chlamydia serology is the most cost-effective and least invasive diagnostic test

Various available treatments according to the degree and nature of tubal disease

Treatment depends on degree and nature of the tubal dysfunction, while the age and ovarian reserve of the patient determine what options are available for the patient.

1.  With the existence of a hydrosalpinx, prophylactic surgery can remove the hydrosalpinx

2.  For proximal tubal obstruction, a possible first treatment is transcervical tubal cannulation with tubal flushing

3.  For tubal repair in tubal obstruction, some surgical techniques include salpingostomy and fimbrioplasty

Many patents now prefer in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer by bypassing the tubal problems altogether.  In certain situations, in combination with in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, any above type of treatment may be used in dealing with tubal dysfunction. If the tubal disease is secondary to a history of a tubal ligation, then a tubal reversal may be the best option for restoring fertility. Tubal reversal has a better rate of subsequent pregnancy for those patients with a history of tubal ligation.

Dr. Troy Drewitz, M.D. grew up in Metairie, Louisiana and went to college at Loyola University in New Orleans. He then went to LSU Medical School in Shreveport, Louisiana where he received his Medical Degree. After medical school, Dr. Drewitz completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas in Wichita, Kansas where he served as Chief Resident. http://www.mybabydoc.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/accurate-functioning-of-fallopian-tubes-1675364.html

Blocked Fallopian Tubes or Tubes Tied – Why and How to Reverse

Blocked fallopian tubes cause all manner of heartbreak.  Nothing is more disconcerting than trying to get pregnant and then finding out you can’t due to tubal blockage.  Even women who have had their tubes tied can end up regretting their infertility.  What causes blocked fallopian tubes and what can be done to achieve a pregnancy?

Let’s start with the first group of women.  These are women who are trying to get pregnant and after a time go to their doctor to find out why it’s not happening.  They end up with the disheartening news that they have blocked tubes or one is blocked.  What caused this to happen?

Unfortunately, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the major cause of blocked fallopian tubes.  PID’s major cause is bacteria that gets shoved up into the uterus and traveling to the fallopian tubes causing an infection and inflammation.  The major sources of this bacteria are sexually transmitted diseases, mostly chlamydia and gonorrhea.

However, there are other sources of PID and blocked fallopian tubes.  These factors include abdominal surgery, IUD use, douching, multiple sex partners, abortion, or anything which may introduce the bacteria that gets past the cervix.

If you do have infertility caused by PID, you are far from being alone.  It is estimated that there are around a million cases of PID in women every year in the U.S. alone.  However, some cases are so mild as to go unreported.  One case of PID can be the precursor to more cases with each having a multiplying affect on the damage done to the tubes.

In fact, after one episode of PID 12% of women will become infertile.  If more episodes happen, the infertility rate can reach 50% at three episodes.  Around 100,000 women learn they are infertile due to PID each year.  This is why if you even have a hint that you might have an infection, you should visit your doctor right away.

Turning to the women who have had their tubes tied, we learn that some of them also have changed their minds.  In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 25% of women who have had tubal ligation regret their decision.  That’s almost a million women a year who have changed their minds in the age group of 15 – 44.

You might wonder why they change their minds.  Each woman will have a different reason.  However, it mostly comes down to a few.  Mostly, having their tubes tied was done during a previous relationship.  Something happens and that relationship is gone but a new one has developed.  Usually the new couple wants to have their own child.  This leads to regret for having had tubes tied.

Other reasons happen, too.  A woman may be suffering from post tubal ligation syndrome and want relief.  Her religious convictions become stronger.  She wishes to feel whole again.  She feels guilt.  Sadly, for some women, it is the loss of a child that causes the change of mind and heart.

For all of these women, either those with blocked fallopian tubes or with tubes tied, there are two options for another pregnancy.  These options are IVF or tubal surgery.  For women who have had tubal ligation, tubal surgery is usually called tubal reversal.  

Most women who had tubal ligation will benefit most from tubal reversal surgery.  Women who have blocked tubes will need to visit with a well qualified tubal surgeon to see if this will be the best course for them.  If not, then IVF may be the next best option.  

As it is on average more costly and less successful over time than tubal surgery, you really want to check the surgery out first.  However, it is extremely important that you get a surgeon who specializes in this type of surgery to achieve your best chance for success for fixing your blocked fallopian tubes or reversing having your tubes tied.

Check out the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at tubal-reversal.net for the best tubal surgeon for your blocked fallopian tubes or for reversing having had your tubes tied. Read the resources available. Ask the staff your questions. Meet other women on the message board.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/blocked-fallopian-tubes-or-tubes-tied-why-and-how-to-reverse-1519046.html